Meet Our Team: Champions of Change
We take pride in introducing the dedicated individuals who form the backbone of our organization, driving positive change and embodying the spirit of Arc Community-Based Organization (CBO).
Mary Okedi
Advocate For Disability Rights
Mary Okedi is a dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities, a seasoned educator, and a respected counselor. With a robust background in education and counseling, she brings empathy, expertise, and a profound understanding of the challenges faced by those with disabilities. As a former legislator in the Busia County Assembly, Mary played a key role in advocating for legislative reforms that enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Her initiatives were crucial in shaping policies that foster inclusivity and accessibility within the community. Currently, Mary leads The Arc CBO as its chairperson, focusing on advocacy and program development for individuals with cerebral palsy and autism. Under her guidance, the organization has excelled in providing support, increasing awareness, and forging opportunities for full societal engagement of its members. Mary's dedication to disability rights is deeply personal and driven by her own experiences. Declared legally blind in his mid-30s, her father's situation profoundly influenced her path. As an aunt to nieces and nephews living with disabilities, her familial experiences further ignite her commitment and dedication to her advocacy work. Through both her professional and personal endeavors, Mary Okedi continues to make a profound impact, tirelessly working towards a society where every individual, regardless of their abilities, is recognized, valued, and empowered.
Agnes Aboo
Communications Coordinator
Agnes Aboo is a dynamic communication graduate with a background in Journalism and Mass Communication from Mount Kenya University. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Education at Daystar University, Agnes showcases her commitment to continuous learning and the pursuit of diverse knowledge. In her role as the Communication Coordinator at Arc CBO, Agnes plays a crucial part in our mission to address the needs of individuals with disabilities in the community. Her passion for community service is evident in her efforts to raise awareness, advocate for rights, and foster inclusivity for people with disabilities (PWD). Beyond her work at Arc CBO, Agnes extends her passion to environmental causes. Engaged in monitoring and evaluation activities in the mangrove forest, she exemplifies her dedication to sustainable practices and conservation efforts. Agnes is driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of the less fortunate in the community. Her unique blend of communication skills, ongoing educational pursuits, and hands-on involvement in disability advocacy and environmental monitoring position her as a dedicated and versatile individual contributing meaningfully to community development and positive change. Join us in applauding Agnes and our entire team for their unwavering commitment.
Rosemary Apondi
Board Member
My name is Rosemary Apondi. I’m 54 years old. I come from Busia county in Western Kenya. I live with a physical disability acquired at the age of five as a result of polio attack. I mainly use crutches and calipers for mobility. I had my primary and secondary school education in both mainstream and special needs institutions , thus I’m well acquainted with the challenges experienced by learners living with disability in both environments. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Nairobi. I’ve been a high school teacher for over 20 years and today I’m a deputy principal at Nyakhobi secondary school , a post to which I was elevated in 2021.So far I have worked in three schools and each school has had its own unique challenges. Though softspoken and an introvert of some sort , I make friends so easily , and I delight in working as part of a team. I’m single with no biological children but my heart always goes out to children ,especially the vulnerable and needy among my learners and I always try to inspire and support them in my own little way. This gives me great joy. I’m a Christian and my faith tells me that I can and should handle diligently and honestly the work God has entrusted to me. I’m proud of me and I focus more on my abilities.
Consolata Oyubo
Secretary
Consolata Oyubo serves as the Secretary of ARC CBO and is a committed high school teacher. Her deep involvement in the autism community is driven by personal experiences, navigating the challenges of raising her 15-year-old autistic child. These experiences have not only provided profound learning opportunities but have also ignited her resolve to improve the lives of others facing similar situations. At ARC CBO, Consolata is dedicated to acquiring and sharing effective strategies to support parents and caregivers of children with autism and cerebral palsy. The organization prioritizes home visits and public discussions, providing essential guidance and support. An important part of their mission is educating expectant mothers about the risk factors of autism, emphasizing the critical roles of prenatal care and safe delivery practices. Consolata's goal is to impart knowledge and provide support that uplifts caregivers, thereby enhancing the quality of life for their children with special needs. Through her efforts, along with the support of ARC CBO, she strives to build a well-informed and compassionate community that truly changes lives.
Reverend Rosenancy Okello
Treasurer
Reverend Rosenancy Okello is the Treasurer at ARC CBO and a seasoned professional educator. Her involvement in the field of disability advocacy is deeply rooted in her personal life as the parent of a remarkable 25-year-old child with autism. This close personal connection has fueled her unwavering commitment to supporting caregivers of children with autism and cerebral palsy. In her role at ARC CBO, Reverend Okello focuses on developing programs that empower caregivers. The organization prioritizes advocacy, conducting regular visits to families grappling with these conditions. During these visits, she provides essential advice and support to caregivers, helping them to enhance their caregiving skills and better understand their children’s needs. Her initiatives aim to improve the lives of caregivers by assisting them in navigating the challenges and reducing the stigma often associated with disability. Through her dedicated efforts, Reverend Okello strives to foster a more inclusive and supportive community, where all members are recognized and empowered.
Erick Netto
Board Member
Eric Netto Wandera holds a Bachelor’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Moi University, and is currently enrolled in a Master's degree program in Counselling Psychology at Moi University. He serves as a Counsellor/Psychologist in Trans Nzoia County, Department of Health Services. A passionate mental health advocate. He is a certified WHO Mental Health - Quality Rights Champion who strongly advocates for the integration of Mental Health Services at Primary Healthcare levels, and passionately engages in Community Sensitization forums on Mental Health matters. He is a duly registered Counsellor/Psychologist, and a member of the Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association (KCPA), with research interests in both theoretical and applied mental health & wellness in formal and informal settings.
Matilda Melap
Volunteer
My name is Melap Matilda,a Bachelor of Arts Education graduate and a volunteer at The ARC CBO. I grew up seeing my parents give back and serve the community in whatever capacity they could and hence my passion in building thriving and resilient communities by fostering a culture of community service for my peers and even those behind me. Through The ARC CBO, I have been able to build sustainable partnerships, help supplement efforts of management to provide technical, social and even the health and wellbeing of children living with autism and cerebral palsy through their caregivers. My dream is to strive to meet my community's unmet needs and I believe through The ARC CBO and my endless reservoir of patience, passion and resilience we are going to be better together.
Ronald Ekesa Okedi
A Trailblazer for Human Rights and Disability Inclusion
Ekesa Okedi is a distinguished Kenyan humanitarian and activist celebrated for his unwavering commitment to law, civil and human rights, and the welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Africa and internationally. He has an extensive background of over eight years directly engaged in championing the rights and inclusion of PWDs, Ekesa combines a razor-sharp legal mind with a passionate advocacy spirit. Ekesa's commitment to human rights and disability inclusion remains steadfast. His tireless efforts aim to create a more just and equitable world for all. Looking ahead, Ekesa is resolute in his determination to expand The Arc CBO's reach, continuing to champion the rights of PWDs' rights in Kenya and across the global stage.
David Mugeni
Vice Chairperson
I'm David Mugeni and I serve as the vice chair of ARC CBO and a farmer. I have twelve years experience dealing with physical disability in the community. At Arc CBO, I am here to acquire skills that will help people with disability to be empowered and able to speak for themselves by supporting them with knowledge and improving their livelihoods.
Francis Kulundu
Board Member
Phelegona Odera Kulindu
Board Member